Evanston Township welcomed students’ families to the annual ETHS Open House on Aug. 29, 2024. Student Ambassadors lined the hallways chaperoning parents and guardians to the auditorium where the principals spoke. After the beginning ceremony, relatives were encouraged to walk their student’s schedules, meet their teachers and participate in “Bell to Bell, No Cell”.   

The Open House connected parents and guardians with teachers, allowing them to get to know the course, expectations and atmosphere. During passing periods, parents walked the halls and socialized with peers, akin to how their children navigated the school earlier that same day. While students were not required to go to Open House, many still joined their relatives for the event.  

“It was really helpful to see where my students come from. Teaching is such a collaborative effort, with other teachers, students, and also with parents,” said Leana Young, an English teacher at ETHS. “It’s very helpful to meet the parents and to be able to communicate in person opens up the possibilities.” 

Open House occurs annually at the beginning of the school year. Parents and guardians explored the halls, climbed flights of stairs, and got to know the school they send their kids to. The experience put the adults in their children’s shoes and had teachers understand their student’s backgrounds.      

“I get to learn what the expectations at home are,” voiced Young. “Just by the questions parents ask, I get to see what each student is focused on—like [that] this student is focused on ACT and college prep, while this student is focused on being a better leader. I learn a lot about students through their parents.”